Viljandi, quiet and charming

I am sitting at the border of the lake, in the middle of the forest. I close my eyes and feel the wind on my face, I hear the birds singing, I smell the characteristic fragrance of humid forest. The ground is wet. It was raining yesterday night, and it might start again at any moment, but here I am, sitting on a stone enjoying the music from the birds and the views of Viljandi.

I arrived yesterday afternoon. Viljandi is a town with a charming old center with colorful wooden houses and small streets. It is not large so you can go anywhere by walk. There are a lot of parks and green areas and it is surrounded by hills and a big lake. Viljandi seems a very pleasant place to live; quiet, relaxed, happy.

On top of one of the hills there is the castle park. The castle was founded by the German Knights of the sword in the 13^th century. Nowadays only the ruins remain, but the park is nice and it offers great views over the village and lake.

In summer, at the end of July, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival takes place in this area. The festival is the biggest event taking place on town, and it attracts so many visitors that the population doubles in size.

Viljandi Lake is right next to the city, and the best way to discover it is to walk all around. There is a hiking trail of 12km that go all around the lake. A few hours ago I went to the tourist information office to ask for a map and some indications, and they recommended me not to come today, because of the weather. But I came anyway.

I discover, amused, that I started the hike on the wrong direction, because I passed the sign of the 10^th kilometer, and later the 9^th kilometer. It is like a countdown. Anyway, whatever direction is nice, especially when you have the path, the forest and the lake for yourself. I have only seen one more person. I guess that in summer, when the weather is nice, it must be full of people, walking, running, enjoying the landscape.

Today… no surprise I am here alone, it does seem it is going to rain. The clouds are getting denser, and it is cold and windy. Actually, it might be a good idea to go back to the town, and take a hot drink in a nice café.